A Global Review at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting Champions Photodynamic Therapy as a First Line Treatment for Patients at Risk for Skin Cancer
DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ®
For release at 6:30 a.m.
A GLOBAL REVIEW AT THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY ANNUAL MEETING CHAMPIONS PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY AS A FIRST LINE TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AT RISK FOR SKIN CANCER
Independent Clinical Investigators Evaluate ALA PDT for a Wide Variety of Dermatologic Needs
Wilmington, MA - February 7, 2007 - Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) was a key topic at the 65th Annual American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Meeting in Washington, D.C. Approximately 32 presentations and posters focused on the subject, ranging from PDT in the treatment of actinic keratoses, skin cancer, and acne, to a wide array of other skin conditions. The AAD annual meeting is widely considered to be the largest and most important dermatology conference of the year, with nearly 9,000 dermatologists attending from the U.S. and around the world.
“Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) PDT is one of the most exciting fields of study in dermatology today,” stated Dr. Michael Gold, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at Vanderbilt University, and Visiting Professor of Dermatology at Shanghai Medical University, Shanghai, China. “The PDT courses at AAD will spread the word further that this is an important treatment modality for our patients. ALA PDT in the U.S. is emerging as a highly effective first-line treatment for multiple actinic keratoses (AKs) and has been reported by independent researchers to be effective for acne, photorejuvenation and chemoprevention,” Dr. Gold said.
On February 2, dermatologists attended Photodynamic Therapy: A Global Look at PDT — the second annual course on PDT led by Dr. Gold. During the presentation, Dr. Gold and 15 other dermatologists from around the world reviewed the history of PDT and its current role in dermatology as well as new and emerging uses. Data from studies supported by DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.® (NASDAQ GM: DUSA) and other independent studies reported encouraging results in the use of Levulan® PDT, DUSA’s brand of ALA PDT, in AK, acne, photodamage and chemoprevention.
Presentations included:
- Photosensitizers Agents and Light Sources – Use of Photodynamic Therapy
- Experience with PDT for Actinic Keratoses (AKs) and Non Melanoma Skin Cancers (NMSC)
- PDT use in Cosmetic Dermatology
- Use of PDT for Acne and Related Disorders
- PDT use in Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)
- Experience with PDT for Difficult to Treat Conditions
- Chemoprevention with PDT
- Combination Therapy Approach with PDT
- Use of PDT in Daily Practice – Practical Pearls
“This is an exciting time for photodynamic therapy,” stated Mr. Robert Doman, President and COO of DUSA. “Levulan PDT is emerging as an important AK treatment modality and is being studied by DUSA for the treatment of acne, as well as by independent investigators for a wide range of conditions. It has become even clearer at this year’s AAD that many dermatologists are embracing our therapy and have begun — with increased reimbursement — to incorporate Levulan PDT for their patients with AKs into their routine practice, due to its excellent efficacy, tolerability, cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction.”
According to guidelines published in the January, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), ALA PDT has been recommended by an international group of expert physicians as a highly effective first-line treatment for multiple AKs. The Levulan PDT system (Levulan Kerastick® together with the BLU-U® brand light source) marketed by DUSA is the only currently available PDT treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for AKs.
It is also available in Canada. In addition, exclusive marketing rights for Levulan PDT have been granted to Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. for Latin America and to Daewoong Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd for certain Asian countries.
About Actinic Keratoses
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough, scaly patches on the skin, caused by excessive exposure to the sun that can sometimes progress into dangerous skin cancers. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), states that AKs affect more than ten million Americans. The Academy also estimates that 40% of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), the second leading cause of skin cancer deaths in the United States, begin as AKs.
About Levulan PDT
The Levulan PDT system is FDA-approved for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick AKs of the face or scalp. This unique system uses a combination of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) topical solution and blue light to target AKs.
The BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator is also FDA cleared for the treatment of moderate inflammatory acne and other dermatological conditions.
About DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an integrated dermatology specialty pharmaceutical company focused primarily on the development and marketing of its Levulan PDT technology platform, and complementary dermatology products. Levulan PDT is currently approved for the treatment of pre-cancerous actinic keratoses, and is being developed for the treatment of acne. DUSA’s other dermatology products include Nicomide® and the AVAR® line, resulting from its early 2006 merger with Sirius Laboratories, Inc. DUSA is also developing certain internal indications of Levulan PDT. Dr. Michael Gold is a consultant to DUSA and a member of its Medical Advisory Board. DUSA is based in Wilmington, Mass. Please visit our Web site at www.dusapharma.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Except for historical information, this news release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risk and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements made. These forward-looking statements relate to dissemination of information concerning ALA PDT and development of Levulan PDT for the treatment of acne and certain internal indications. Furthermore, the factors that may cause differing results include the ability to penetrate the market, the regulatory process, sufficient funding, maintenance of DUSA’s patent portfolio, reliance on third parties, and other risks identified in DUSA's SEC filings from time to time.
For further information contact:
Rosalba Cano
Spectrum Science Communications
202-955-6222